Ratings: ‘The Big Bang Theory’ repeat defeats ‘American Idol XIII’ results

This article is designed to be the walk of shame for “American Idol” this season. We know that many fans are going to blame the Olympics and we understand that; maybe they have impacted the numbers a little bit. But, when a repeat of a show manages to beat one of your most-interesting results shows of the entire season, you know that there is a problem.

That is what happened on Thursday night, when the latest episode drew only a 2.4 in the 18-49 demographic. This could adjust up in the finals, but we doubt that it will match the 2.6 that a repeat of “The Big Bang Theory” received. We also understand that this show is a complete beast and has a legion of people who will watch just because it’s on, but still, this is another sign that singing shows as a whole are starting to near their end for the time being.

Do we think that “American Idol” will ever be canceled outright? Probably not. We see it more as a situation that they maybe let it go dormant for a few years, and then bring it back later for nostalgic viewers looking to get back into it again. It’s just that with so many different shows on the air in this genre, it is not much of an event anymore. You even see that with “America’s Got Talent” crowning a winner in a non-singing field (previously unheard of) for the past two years straight.

As for “The Big Bang Theory,” it’s not going anywhere provided that they work out new deals with most of the cast. That feels more like a formality right now; this show makes so much money that you can afford to make Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, and Johnny Galecki three of the highest-paid people on TV.

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Photo: CBS